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Optimize Your Social Skills

Did you ever notice how some people can walk into a room, with an air of confidence and a smile on their face, and then just walk up to anyone and start a conversation? Can you do that? Or do you walk into a room, make a beeline for the bar (if there is one), get a drink and then go hide in a dark corner, hoping no one will notice you or that you’ll recognize someone (anyone, please!) that you can run over and talk to before you die of embarrassment?

There is certainly something to be said for social skills and they are necessary - in business, in social situations, at meetings, any place where people congregate en masse.

Healthy social skills are certainly something you can learn or improve upon – no matter what you age or social status. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Smile– People like to be around happy people and when you smile, you show you are a positive, cheerful person who is approachable and receptive.
2. Show you have a sense of humor– Laughter is the classic ice-breaker and de-stressor. Be clever and upbeat around co-workers and in all types of social situations.
3. Learn how to listen – If you really want to make a social statement, don’t make it all about you. Listen to what others have to say – it shows that you care about others and are not only interested in yourself.
4. Be receptive to compliments– When someone says something nice to you, say, “Thank you.” That’s it. Don’t go on and on about how old the dress is or what a bargain the earrings were, or dismiss the compliment in any way at all. Accept it graciously.
5. Make others feel important and appreciated – Everyone likes to be noticed and to have attention paid to them. Acknowledge the good things in another person’s life and show empathy if he/she shares about a difficult life situation.
There are plenty of ways to polish your social skills in new venues as well. Take a class in a subject you want to learn more about or join a service club. Learn ballroom dancing or join a bowling league. Life is for the living – so get out there and live…and remember your social manners!

Healthier social skills (which can be learned), can make a profound improvement in the quality of our lives.